Says the car salesman of old…Trust me, she runs like a charm, owned by a little old lady from Pasadena!!! I’ve lived near Pasadena, they drive like crazy and so do little old ladies…Ha! 😉

Trust is a word that means so much, given lightly and broken easily. There isn’t an adult walking in our world today who hasn’t had their trust smashed into a million pieces. The reasons trust get broken are as many as there are shattered pieces of our hearts.

We’ve trusted commercials for every: get rich quick, total health here, fountain of youth in a jar, shed those pounds, grow more hair, whiten your teeth, sign up and find your soulmate…if there’s a need , there’s a promise and an advertisement.

Mind you, I am not saying that every claim is a false one but discernment is wise, doing a little research doesn’t hurt and in today’s world you can find an answer with the touch of your fingertips.

Tried and True come to mind. The fads, flash in the pans and instant gratifications are here today and gone tomorrow, taking another piece of your trust with it. I think many of us are doing just this; going back to the basics; the tried and trues.

The products and institutions that have passed the tests of time, and are still going strong. We don’t need psychic hotlines or Madame DeVoe telling us our future at a serious cost. Tarot cards and crystal balls aren’t the answer even though they have passed the test of time, Satan has his readings too!

I am 60 years old and have been walking with Jesus since I was eight. I can tell you; family, friends, bosses, coworkers and mates have let me down; we are human. But, I can tell you one thing for sure…God has never, ever let me down or not been there. He’s let me get myself out of a mess or two I created. But, he was with me every step of the way and I learned from it.

Matthew 28:20 NCV “Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age.”

Isaiah 26:4 NCV “So, trust in the Lord always, because he is our rock forever.” Forever!!! And that you can trust.

So if life has tossed you around some and you don’t know who, what or where to trust. Try the Bible and our Lord, his words and promises are true and He is most trustworthy. He created and has withstood the test of time.

If any of you need prayer or a bible, please leave your information in the comment section and we will see to your needs. I pray for you a blessed week…It’s Monday make it a good one, and as always…Thank you for joining me. 🥰

I’m afraid of the dark. I don’t need a nite light when I sleep and love to watch TV in the dark but other then that not a fan. The unknown lurks in the dark. As children it was the boogie man under the bed or a monster of some sort hiding in the closet.

As adults our darkness is still the unknown. Darkness can reign everywhere; our hearts, minds, addictions, attitudes and moods. We might fear tomorrow and what else it may bring. Our world is in a major turmoil, possibly you fear the dark battle within our government. Darkness can seep in and destroy a marriage, a career, your health and your life.

Darkness is like a thick heavy fog, it moves in slowly, silently, it’s clingy moisture starts to settle in and before you know it you are surrounded. The scenery that what once familiar now has a ghostly feel to it and shadows have taken over. Sound like a place in your world or heart?

Acts 26:18 NCV “to open their eyes so that they may turn away from darkness to the light, away from the power of Satan and to God.”

John 11:10 NCV “But if anyone walks at night, he stumbles because there is no light.”

John 8:12 NCV “Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have light that gives life.”

I hope the next time you feel the darkness start to creep in or possibly you are smack in the middle of it right now. Simply say this short prayer: “In the name of Jesus Christ, Satan get behind me, you have no power here. Jesus, please shine your light upon me, show me your way.” Help me find my way out of this darkness and into your life giving light. In your glorious name I give thanks, Amen!”

Philippians 2:10 NCV “so that every knee shall bow to the name of Jesus-everyone in heaven, on the earth and under the earth.” Did you catch that last line… “Under the Earth…” yep, this means you too Satan…

Jesus is our light that never dies or goes out…I hope you will let him shine his love and light down on you. Have a blessed day. It’s Sunday…my favorite day! Be peaceful today, you deserve it! Thank you for joining me today, I hope to see you again tomorrow.🥰

Is there such a thing? Sure there is! It’s just as easy to speak of people’s qualities as it is their faults. Our true character comes out in the words we speak, leading to our actions or the very least our attitudes. Everyone has an opinion and something to say. We are entitled to our opinions and ideals. But, remember they are nothing more then ours…doesn’t mean they belong on or to someone else.

You may be in a position of power or fame. So full of yourself that you think the everyone cares about your opinion or views. We don’t…you movie stars and athletes get dressed the same way the rest of us do. Personally, I wish you’d all be quiet.

We need to be aware of our words and how they are used and just might affect. We can build or we can destroy with the power of the tongue. James 3:5 NCV “It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things. A big forest fire can be started with only a little flame.”

Proverbs 12:18 NCV “Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.”

Proverbs 21:23 NCV “Those who are careful about what they say keep themselves out of trouble.”

Matthew 15:11 NCV “It is not what people put in their mouths that make them unclean. It is what comes out of their mouths that make them unclean.”

1 Peter 3:10 NCV “The scripture says, “A person must do these things to enjoy life and have many happy days. He must not say evil things, and he must not tell lies.”

So maybe the next time you are in mixed company and someone starts a conversation about someone who isn’t there…be the surprise and speak positive affirmations rather then the hurtful negative ones. How blessed would people be if when they walk into the break room they heard kind things being said, instead of total silence because everyone stopped talking the minute you appeared!!! Thoughts to ponder!!!

Have a most blessed day…go out and say something nice about someone. Start some good gossip! I’m glad you’re here and I hope you will keep joining me. 🥰

Have you? Are you? Or, how many times in your life have you been in a place or situation that there seems to be no way? No way out, no way forward, no way around, up or over.

Our suicide hotlines are jammed with calls of hopelessness and despair…no way out, around or over. Every day is the same; same pain and illness attacking your body, same berating, same invisibility, same mountain of debt, same heartbreak and disappointments, same drudgery…it goes on and on.

I have been in places of hopelessness. I have stood beside my grown children as they suffered their own grief and woes. I know what it feels like to just want to set down, cry and quit. Done, do not care to do this any more; Thank you, I’m out… I have labeled this as hitting the deep freeze. At a very early age, I learned to close in, shut down and freeze up. Places of safety, free from feeling or emotions…A safe haven you could call it, I guess. It is a bit lonely and kind of chilly.

I also had and have another safe haven and it’s label is hope. Its friendly and much warmer; and it’s bigger then anything the worlds throwing my way. Psalms 27:5 NLT “For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.”

Hope, this is what faith in the Lord offers! Hope out, hope to keep moving forward, hope around, up and over.

Faith; Hebrews 11:1 NCV “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.”

Hope; Romans 12:12 NCV “Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.”

In closing I will share one of my favorite scriptures and one I recite regularly and believe in with all my heart. You see, I have been in some hopeless places in my life but my hope and faith prevailed. Things never stay the same and this to shall pass but you have to stand firm and believe it’s going to, no matter what your circumstances or reports tell you. Listen to God’s report.

Jeremiah 29:11 NCV “Say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.”

I’m a walking, talking example of God’s daily grace and favor. I pray you will turn your cares over to him. Walk in faith and hope…Let his love shine down upon you. It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it!!! Be blessed today and thank you as always for joining me. 🥰

You know the adage: “you are known by the company you keep.” I grew up hearing those words from my mom, my whole childhood. I have always had a bleeding heart for both people and animals. Often, the less desirables would show up at our table for dinner but our home was open and an extra plate would always find a place.

As I have mentioned before; I grew up in a small Eastern Oregon town. Our community consisted of: ranchers, farmers, loggers, millworkers and all the different businesses and people who made it home.

In school we had: the cool athletes, the rough and tough cowboys, the bendable gymnastic crowd, those who played and marched in the band and the cheer teams adorned in school colors. We had the class clowns and the brainiacs. The myriad of colors and faces mingling in the halls and the ones who wore dark, lurking in the shadows. The popular ones who were always seen and the ones who never really were. I imagine this sounds familiar?

We had the large well known families with names and heritages attached. We had the families who moved in and made names for themselves. Some families had respect attached to their names and some did not. Bringing us right back to the company we kept!!! This is where dad usually stepped in… “No daughter of mine.”

As an adult looking back I can truly understand what my parents were trying to convey and teach. We are judged by the company or I’d rather say the characters of the people we associate with. This can be socially and or at work, often the two intertwining. If you run with the go getters, chances are you will be viewed as a go getter…hang with the lazy and slack…you get the picture.

I have just recently turned 60. The day after doing so I began this blog; I have been so blessed by it, why because of the company I get to keep. You and our Lord. I’m sorry if this sounds like an all about me page from my diary but it’s because of a page from my diary that I write this mornings devotion.

1 Chronicles 16:10-11 NCV “Be glad that you are his; let those who seek the Lord be happy. Depend on the Lord and his strength; always go to him for help.”

I have always been a learner and hope to always be but I have definitely learned the more time I spend with Jesus, the more like him I become. I am changing within everyday because of the company I’ve been keeping. Thank you for keeping company with me and Sunshine. My prayer is through His words you will start to notice a change or two also. Have a most blessed day and thank you for joining me.🥰

Naturally it’s easier to relate to a situation or emotion someone is going through when we ourselves have shared a similar experience. The tried and true adage; “don’t judge me until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes.”

Can you truly grasp the depth of the fact that, Jesus Christ, God in flesh form, knows what you are feeling!!! To fully understand what that means. He understands our physical limitations. He more then likely experienced the flu, a cold, upset stomachs and definitely many headaches. His death was one of severe pain, so even the ravages of cancer is pain he would empathize with.

He walked among people who loved him, followed him, believed in him and supported him. Then there were days he went to work and was: despised, mocked, laughed at, whispered about, cussed at and spit upon. He definitely understands a bad day at work and co-workers.

After his baptism, He was tempted for 40 days and nights by Satan. He understands weakness, hunger, being tired, sad and lonely but instead of giving into temptation he fought back with scripture (the word of God) which is our strength against Satans attacks. See, Luke chapter 4…

He understands how the brain and mind work. He knows we fight a constant battle between right and wrong. He understands our spirits are strong but our flesh is weak. We have the right intentions, start out strong and gung-ho but somewhere along the way, life and distractions happen.

Matthew 26:41 NCV “Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak.”

He laughed, smiled at the antics of little children, enjoyed meals with friends and loved…and because he loved, He also cried, felt the sting of betrayal and the heartbreak of loss due to death.

So the next time you feel alone or like no one in the world could possibly understand…I know this guy…you should give him a call. He always listens, understands, never judges and is just waiting to help. You can trust him with your heart, he’s been there already and knows how fragile it is. His name is Jesus Christ!!!

Be blessed today, if you need prayer please leave it in the comment section…you aren’t alone…ever!!! If you are in need of a bible please leave your mailing information in the comments also…I’m glad you’re here and thank you for joining me. 🥰

I don’t know about you but I hate waiting and surmise you feel the same. Our whole culture is about hurry up and wait. You know the driver who’s weaving in and out of traffic, in a major hurry, only to hit the red light oh, but a few seconds before you do, “to get to wait.”

We grow up being taught this life lesson immediately in grade school; we lined up to go outside for recess, stood in the lunch line awaiting our turn to eat and once again lined up waiting to go home at the end of the day. What we didn’t realize is we were being groomed for our future.

We are now adults, the waiting gets worse. We wait for our: paychecks, our promotions, our days off, our vacations, the end of the day. We stand in grocery lines, post office lines, amusement park lines, where you also waited in traffic just to get there. Traffic for many of us is an ugly word. I was a field rep in CA, NV and OR for 13 years and believe me when I say waiting in traffic is almost the worst. The five never ending lanes of cars, filling the highways to capacity, each bumper to bumper…There were days I didn’t think I was ever going to get home.

I stated that waiting in traffic is almost the worst, almost is key here. I realize waiting on a doctors report, a judges decision and slam of the gavel, the tally of the votes of the election you ran in, the home or business loan you’ve applied for; all highly rank in the hardest category of wait. But wait…Then there’s waiting on God!

The waiting on God’s timing has got to be the hardest. I know His timing is perfect and will never fail to show up…but He always seems to take a very long time, clear up to the flailing arms and the water right at nose level…drowning is sure to happen and…Then!!! The sun shines and a life ring gently folds around you. He made it, just in the nick of time, but then you knew He would…even if your knees were starting to knock.

He doesn’t make us wait because he has a sick sense of humor and loves watching us dangle and dread…He wants us to rely and trust solely on Him. So when, your prayer is answered and it’s answered even better then you could have hoped or imagine…You will know, That was God…showing you, teaching you…I got this, just trust me!

Lamentations 3:25-26 NCV “The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to those who seek him. It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save.”

Psalms 33:20 NCV “So our hope is in the Lord. He is our help, our shield to protect us.”

Romans 8:28 NIV “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

In our day and age it’s actually easy to wait…we have a multitude of choices via our smartphones or devices. Bags and backpacks are available in various sizes and colors for a book or journal. But, do you know what else? You have a direct line to the best friend you will ever have…take those moments of wait and turn them into a conversation…He can hear your thought conversations, so you don’t even have to speak aloud, even though those are the most rewarding.

So, remember, wherever you are or whatever you’re doing that’s put you in a place of wait, put your time, thoughts and trust in Him. And, remember this too shall pass, the traffic will start moving again and you will get home…

On your daily travels, take your heavenly companions with you…the days will go much smoother, even if you have to wait. Be blessed and Thank you for joining me.🥰

Small steps lead you in the same direction as gigantic leaps, only the smaller steps enable you to enjoy the view as you pass through.

Small, the definitions; little size or small dimensions; minor in influence, power or rank, lacking in strength. Or does it? I happen to think small is actually a lot bigger then we give it credit.

A child’s first steps are small but then the next thing you know they are running. A whisper is a sound so small that hardly anyone can hear it yet it can stop a large conversation in an instant. Every professional athlete or Olympian starts as a small child, taking that first small step into the pool, onto the balance beam or on a field.

Often small steps are produced from a small spark of interest or desire. Perhaps you have decided to teach yourself about the stock market, so you study books, explore ways to learn and begin with a small investment, could be you are into theatrical makeup, creating images, and creatures of fright, so you practice daily on your own face to perfect your art. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of being a writer and someone close to you makes a suggestion that just won’t stop replaying in your head.

Every dream and desire starts with a small glimmer and grows. It may not make any sense to someone else but that doesn’t matter it’s your dream, your vision, your energy spent not theirs. Don’t let the dark cloud people rain on your parade. Ha, even parades start one step at a time.

Often our dreams are inspired by God. That doesn’t mean we don’t have to do our part but He will certainly do his part right beside you. Jeremiah 29:11 NCV “I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you.”

Proverbs 16:3 NCV “Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

So, whether it’s taking a college class or two online in the evening, painting masterpieces in your garage, or writing poems about fairies you viewed while looking at the world through mystical lenses. It doesn’t matter, it’s yours…go out and make that first step forward or in some cases steps back to…thoughts to ponder!

Nothing is ever to small, a step, a smile, a kind word or two…It’s a new day take a small step toward something that is just yours. Have a sunshine day and Thank you for joining me.🥰

Psalms 51:10 NLT “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”

When King David wrote this psalm it was after lusting for one of his mightiest and most loyal soldier’s wife, sending said soldier/husband to the front lines of a fierce battle, then setting back and waiting for the sad news of his generals death. Where upon he immediately scooped up Bathsheba, married her, they had a son and lost baby son, also to death. In his grief, guilt and total remorse he penned… “God create in me a clean heart.”

What does that mean? To me, first off I believe it’s asking for forgiveness for our: thoughts, attitudes, words spoken or actions made. Then secondly, I believe it’s an act of repentance within our spirit that we wish to change. You could even say, “God, create in me a new heart, a new attitude.”

One of the greatest pastors I have ever sat under, used to teach… “Don’t you go home and pray Lord change that husband of mine without first saying…Lord change me.”

The first start to a clean heart is to ask for His help in changing what is going on inside of you, then asking for assistance with the person or issues causing the angst.

My husband and I are both retired. We are together a lot, we both had jobs where we traveled and were apart a great deal of the time. You can imagine the difference in our world and attitudes. “Last nerve” comes to mind quickly, we had and are still having to readjust to our new lifestyle. I have often laughed to myself as I hear Pastor Lynn’s words in my head as I’m asking for a clean heart and a better attitude.

A clean heart can be used everywhere; it’s very versatile to use in a multitude of times and places: freeways at rush hour or the mile long grocery line, your students or teacher, coworkers or boss, spouse or roommates…the list goes on and will.

So, possibly the next time you feel slightly off and edgy, bummed out at a situation, or sporting a negative attitude with its best friend grouch. Stop, take a cleansing breath and ask God, “for a clean heart and a fresh start.” Anytime of the day is a good time, trust me! 😉

Have a blessed day, make it fresh and new!!! Thank you for joining me and I hope you will keep coming back. 🥰

Anyone who knows me and or are reading my devotions know that I love the ocean. I grew up with the ocean and maritime being a big part of our family. My grandpa was a merchant marine in WWII and nautical regalia can be found in all of our homes and especially my closet. 😉

One favorite icon is the lighthouse and all the romance of the sailors of lore. The picture of that big schooner sailing into and fighting against the crashing waves. You can all but hear the creaks and groans as it maneuvered through the rugged, jagged rocks, just laying in wait, hoping to tear a gigantic hole in the bow of that mighty wooden vessel as it wrestled it’s way into port and a resting place.

These towers represented not only beacons of light; providing safe passage into their ports, they also represented, civilization and human presence. (Wikipedia)

The earliest known lighthouse was built in Egypt over 2,000 years ago. Archeologists have found remains of more then 30 lighthouses built by ancient Romans. The first British Colonial lighthouse is located in Boston, Massachusetts. (Archaeologists.org)

The lighthouse also represented: rugged coastal terrain, protection, salvation, guidance, illumination, never-ceasing watchfulness, steadfast endurance and helpfulness. (Wikipedia)

You know where I am going with this!!! The words found in the paragraph above, state everything our Lord is, in fact He has often been compared to the lighthouse.

Psalms 43:3 NCV “Send me your light and truth to guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain to where you live.”

Psalms 119:105 NLT “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

So, the next time your winds turn into a gale, the rains become a tempest storm or you’re wandering in the midst of a heavy fog; possibly finding yourself feeling a bit lost, scared, or even just slightly confused. Stop, stand still, reach out and turn on your very own lighthouse. He’s right beside you, already knows what you are going through and is just waiting for you to seek His protection and direction.

I pray your days are filled with sunshine but if you are in a storm, you are not alone, ever. If anyone needs prayer, please leave it in the comment section as I have a prayer team standing by. Have a most blessed day and as always Thank you for joining me. 🥰